Dubai Highlights Innovative Manufacturing Ecosystem At Make It In The Emirates 2025 Event

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is set to highlight the city's vibrant manufacturing sector at the 'Make it in the Emirates' event. This significant gathering will take place from 19th to 22nd May 2025 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. The forum is a key platform for government bodies, investors, and manufacturers to collaborate on advancing the UAE's industrial and export goals.

Dubai's manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in the emirate's economic growth. Supported by various government initiatives, it aims to enhance global competitiveness and ensure sustainable development. In 2024, Dubai's manufacturing sector achieved a GDP of AED28.3 billion during the first nine months, reflecting its robust performance.

The Dubai Pavilion will be a focal point at the event, showcasing key enablers of industrial growth such as Dubai Industrial City (DIC), National Industries Park (NIP), and Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). This collaboration offers manufacturers and investors insights into opportunities available in Dubai's competitive industrial landscape.

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), stated, "Dubai’s manufacturing sector is gaining momentum because we have built the fundamentals for sustained industrial growth, competitive infrastructure, smart regulation, and access to global markets. What we are seeing today is the result of long-term planning, public-private collaboration, and a clear ambition under our wise leadership and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This is a market where manufacturers can innovate, scale, and export with confidence."

DET will demonstrate how Dubai provides integrated access to top-tier infrastructure and business incentives for manufacturers. Currently, Dubai-based manufacturers supply essential goods to the UAE government and export to over 130 countries. They leverage Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) for competitive access to high-growth markets.

The event will also spotlight DET's initiatives like the Export Assistance Programme (EAP). This programme supports Dubai-based companies in promoting exports in foreign markets by offering assistance through international offices. It particularly aids small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking export opportunities.

Investment Milestones

In 2024, Dubai attracted AED52.3 billion ($14.2 billion) in foreign direct investment (FDI), marking a 33.2% increase from the previous year—the highest FDI value recorded in one year. The city also saw 1,117 Greenfield FDI projects and 1,826 announced FDI projects, creating 58,680 jobs.

The Elite Buyer Programme will be highlighted as part of DET’s strategy to position Dubai as a leading global sourcing hub for high-demand products in fast-growing consumer markets. Additionally, DET will showcase the Industry Friendly Power Policy under the D33 Agenda that promotes green energy use across sectors like manufacturing.

Commitment to Diversification

'Make it in the Emirates' is pivotal for advancing UAE's manufacturing sector by fostering innovation and investment. As part of its economic diversification efforts, Dubai remains committed to supporting its industrial sector's evolution to meet global standards while contributing significantly to national economic growth.

With inputs from WAM